Chapter 16

“Keira, please don’t get the wrong idea.”

Tanya’s words almost made me laugh. Remembering her earlier comments about her “boyfriend’s” bedding preferences, it was clear she meant Jace.

“Is this for Jace?” I asked, glancing at the bed linens she’d chosen. Blue and gray—totally his favorite colors. But that was then. Now, thanks to me, his taste had brightened considerably.

Tanya bit her lip, hesitating before shaking her head. “No, don’t get the wrong idea, it’s for my brother.”

I was too tired for her games, so I cut to the chase. “So Jace is moving in with you now?” Didn’t he say he couldn’t let Tanya’s baby get hurt? Watching over her seemed like the next logical step.

“How can you say that?” Tanya snapped.

“You’re even buying his bed linens. How can I not say that?” I shot back, mocking her.

“You’re too jealous. Jace won’t like that,” she replied, making me laugh.

“Why are you laughing?” Her innocent, wary eyes were fixed on mine.

I tucked a strand of hair behind my ear. “Even if Jace likes me, no one can resist being seduced.”

“Don’t be so harsh,” Tanya snapped, her face flushing.

“Isn’t that the case? Yesterday, you said you came to the company to explain things to me, but you really wanted to see Jace, right?” Even though I hadn’t thought about it last night and slept well, the truth became clear when I woke up. Tanya showing up at the company, deliberately getting hit by a car, making Jace worry and carry her in front of everyone—it was all part of her plan.

Tanya widened her eyes, feigning innocence, and shook her head. “How can you think that of me?”

“Then explain why Jace was at the café yesterday?” I demanded.

Tanya fell silent, a hint of embarrassment in her eyes as I exposed her.

“If you want to be with Jace, do it on your own. Don’t use me as a stepping stone. And…” I paused, then continued, “I’ve already broken up with him.”

“What?” Tanya looked genuinely shocked.

“Thanks to you,” I added.

“By the way, the dinner with the foie gras the other night—I paid for it. If we’re splitting the bill, you owe me a third, or you can pay Jace’s share too.” I held out my phone.

Tanya’s expression darkened. “I don’t have any money in my digital wallet right now.”

I didn’t believe her and was a bit surprised.

“Since Desmond’s accident, no one has been giving me money. Otherwise, I wouldn’t be using Jace’s card,” Tanya said pitifully.

Whether true or not, insisting on the money would make me seem heartless.

“Forget it then,” I said, pulling back my phone.

But Tanya stopped me. “How about this—I’ll add you and transfer it to you later.”

“No need!”

“No, I insist,” Tanya persisted, pulling out her phone.

Seeing her determination, I had a thought and opened my phone for her to scan my QR code. As she sent the friend request, I said, “You just want to add me so you can post stuff to disgust me, right?”

Tanya’s eyes lit up for a moment. “Keira, don’t think so badly of people.”

“Hopefully, you prove me wrong,” I replied, putting my phone away and walking off.